Taking radio to a new dimension
By Sureshni Pilapitiya
Nanda
Muruththettuwegama, who assumed duties as Chairman of the SLBC lashed
out at artistes who slavishly prostituted the profession for personal
gain. He was of the view that anyone has the freedom to pursue a
political view of his choice but was emphatic that no one should
prostitute the profession and fall victim in the melee or do it for
personal gain and vain glory. He emphasised that 'state media' meant
being a voice of the people and not the trumpet of the government. He
wants to make a palpable change in the institution and turn it around
financially.
Long before television came into being, radio was the lifeline of the
people. For entertainment and knowledge, radio was used. As the state
radio of the country, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has
done an immense service throughout the years.
The SLBC is not only known as the 'guwanviduli mahagedara' in Sri
Lanka as it is the pioneer in radio broadcasting but also in the Asian
continent.
The SLBC still stands with its old grandeur still remaining inthe
beautiful halls and corridors. It's status has not faded.
In 1925 it was set up as 'Colombo Radio' and in 1949 it changed to
'Radio Ceylon' and much later became the SriLanka Broadcasting
Corporation under the Broadcasting Corporation Act.
The Sunday Observer spoke to Nanda Muruththettuwegama, who assumed
duties as Chairman of the SLBC, to express his views about the taking
SLBC towards a new direction , it's future , plans and projects he hopes
to do for the betterment of the Institution, including his view points
based on the field of arts as well. Having studied at Ananda College,
Muruththettuwegama is also a well- known attorney - at- law, being the
Managing Director of the CFPS Law school. He also was the UNP organiser
for Kalawana and was enthusiastic about arts and culture.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q : You assumed duties as the chairman of SLBC. How do you
feel about your new position ?
A: This is a responsible task. In any country, radio is
considered as being close to the people. It can directly speak to the
people and allow them to express what they feel. In the case of
newspapers, we can read them, we can watch TV but the only media which
can reach the people fast is radio.
Regarding security radio is the fastest means of giving information
and sending messages. The SLBC has a rich history. I believe I can
accomplish the task of turning SLBC around and bringing it back to its
former glory.
Q: You were in the legal field. Can you tell us a bit about
your legal back ground?
A: If there is one profession in the world among so many other
professions where you can work as an individual, it is the legal
profession.
I worked as an attorney- at-law for twenty years. I am also the
Managing Director of the CFPS Law school which is affiliated to the
University of London.Under my guidance thousands of students have passed
out as lawyers..I have used my legal knowledge regarding fraud and
corruption which took place in the country in the recent past. I have
exposed such cases and taken legal action against them.
Q: Are there any famous legal cases which you can remember,
regarding fraud and corruption ?
A: I have exposed the fraud and corruption involved in the
Hedging case and the corruption in Sri Lanka Cricket.
Q: Do you see any difference between the legal field and the
media?
A: Both these fields are important to the people. There is
nothing which is not connected with Law. Law is affiliated to everything
in any field. The media is important to enjoy life and appreciate the
wonders of music. It is a field which is connected to life.
Q: What do you think of the current approach along with the
new government ?
A: This is an important aspect for the country. In a country,
there should be a system with sense and decorum. We were going down a
precipice. Especially when it comes to discipline, strict laws should be
implemented. The Law should be maintained properly in a country.
The fact that a large amount of the country's economical resources
were going into the hands of only one group,frustrates the people. There
should be a change in this concept. I wish to extend my gratitude to
those who helped to change this situation and set up a better one.
Q: What are the new steps taken by the new government to
ensure the betterment of the media industry?
A: The betterment of the media industry means having the right
to give people information as well as entertainment. Earlier, the Media
was used as a mode of highlighting individuals.
The state media was used for that purpose. They were used as a
trumpet of the government. We have made a change in the state media in a
short time. This is one aspect of good governance. I am proud to be a
member of this process.
Q: What connection do you have with the SLBC?
A: From my young days I was a member of the Meth Mal Pibidewa
program. I was also a commentator for the SAAF Games during the '90's.
At that time whenI entered the SLBC, I felt as if I had entered a temple
or a religious place. I was an active member of the Meth Mal Pibidewa
program for a few years. I had theopportunity of going through all the
studios and studio control units at SLBC.
Q: What do you think of being given the opportunity to come to
the SLBC after so many years?
A: It is a great feeling. The SLBC is a grand and a prominent
place. I was chosen as a SAAF sports commentator by veterans such as
Berty Galahitiyawa and Palitha Perera. I feel so proud and happy to be
Chairman of an institution of such high repute.
Q: It is believed that the state media is biased and partial.
What is your opinion ?
A: That concept has arisen due to the misuse of the media. The
state media is implemented under the government and is running on public
money.
This service belongs to the people. My personal opinion is that the
state media should not be a trumpet of the government,should to carry
out the policy of the government keeping in mind the fact that
shortcomings should be pointed out.
This the view of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil
Wickremasinghe and Media Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke.
Q: The same applies to the private media too, doesn't it?
A: Absolutely. Be it state or the private media, they should
be independent. They should produce true information to the public.
Q: Another complaint is, that state media institutions are
fraught with fraud and corruption. What is your opinion?
A: Those who head state media institutions should think that
this is the state media, meant for the people. They cannot be used for
private agendas. These institutions depending on public funds. We are
taking legal steps to probe into fraud and corruption in state media
institutions .
Q: What are your plans to make SLBC a profit- making
institution?
A: Firstly, the SLBC channels should be made into channels
which have a good audience. We have taken action for that. We have taken
away the programs which highlighted individuals. Then again we have
allowed thepublic to receive current affairs. We have given more space
forentertainment purposes. There are plans to develop the Technicalside
too.
There were talented people in the SLBC Those days andstill there are.
But such people were not highlighted and given achance. I have taken
steps to give such people a chance and also thefreedom to do their
creative work. I believe that will help the Radio to be a more creative
media. In the recent past, talented artistes, talented people in drama
and music field did not have anyopportunity at all. The artistes whom
were loved and appreciated bythe public did not have an opportunity of
showcasing their creationshowever much they worked hard for it.
Q: What are the changes which shouldbe made at the SLBC?
A: In the first place we have todevelop the technological
side. Then programmes which are peoplefriendly should be established.
There are talented people who present programs at the SLBC. And it
should be an Independent institution, and keep it's status as the State
Radio of the country.
There shouldbe a certain pride and respect among those who work at
theinstitution. We have to work towards achieving that goal. We haveto
take the opinions and ideas of all the intellectuals and artistesof the
society to produce creative and people friendly programs.
Q: What do you mean by ''People- friendly'' programs?
A: Programs which do not include political poppy cock and
programs not appreciated by the people which include unpleasant and
vulgar music, and programs which have no relevance.
Q: What are your comments on the welfare of the employees,
including their salaries and permanency issues?
A:Basically there is an excess staff. But we do not wish to
remove them. We hope to give them duties according to their talent.
Another purpose is to make SLBC a profit-making institution and give the
benefits to the employees.
Q: What are the qualities which you see in a good media
personality?
A: Mainly he should be sensitive about facts and issues. He
should take facts into consideration and take neutral decisions. Being
independent is important. Always learning and practicality is important.
Associating with seniors and getting to know their ideasand opinions
also counts. Doing creative work is a must.
Q: Should the management system of SLBC be changed too?
A: There is a cadre which is already in existence. According
to that there have been some external appointments and some have been
not. There should be people who present different fields which they are
talented in. We hopeto give slots to talented people who were left out.
Q: Are you an admirer of the arts and culture?
A: Yes of course. Especially from my young days I had this
love for reading. I liked reading books in the literary field. I was
interested in drama too. I joined reputed journalist Richard De Zoysa
and a few friends and created a drama named '' Wadu Maduwa''. I am
connected with the newspapers and have also contributed as alyricist.
When I was studying at Ananda College, I was a newsreader too. I was
appointed as the editor of the Ananda College school magazine. I also
did a provincial newspaper named '' Ruwanpura''.
Q: What is your opinion about the field of arts?
A: Art is a partof our lives. There is an art in everything we
do in life. Arts gives the entertainment and enjoyment that one needs in
life. It helps to develop the thinking process and reduces stress.
Q: What is your opinion of artistes being politically divided
?
A: Everybody has a right to express and follow his own
political views. They have the right to follow the politics which they
think is correct and join any political party or establish any
association.
Those who ruin the reputation they have obtained as artistes and
prostitute the profession for personal gain and act slavishly are
artistes who have no conscience, and have no love, respect and
responsibility for society.
Q:Today, the younger generation is drifting from state radio
and private media institutions seem to be attracting a large audience.
Why is this?
A:We have talented people who are creative and innovative.
They still continue with their work. They did not get a chance of
showcasing their talent.As soon as I assumed duties I gave them the
opportunity of producing their creative work.
Q: Do you think that the employees who supported the
opposition at the elections will be victimized?
A: Not at all, everyone is equal to me. Be it political or
otherwise, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is how they work. They
should be dedicated and act with responsibility regarding the work they
are given. It does not matter what political view that they hold, or how
they played their roles in politics. If fraud and corruption was in
existence during the earlier administration, I need everyone's help to
find out what these were. I have no grudge against employees who
supported the other side and do not wish to harass or demean any
employee working at SLBC.
Q: Finally, what are your aspirations for the betterment of
the SLBC?
A: Basically all the SLBC channelsshould be transformed into
those which will be close to the people. The SLBC should be transformed
in to a profit-making institution. Various private institutions have had
discussions with us in the recent past. Working towards the welfare of
it's employees the SLBC should be an institution which will be close to
the people.
In a short time we hope to bring the SLBC as an institution which
will be an independent, public service radio.
In 1921,Edward Harper, who was an English engineer brought some radio
equipment which was found in a broken ship. He did some research with
the equipment and as a result, he established a permanent radio service
titled 'Colombo Radio' in 1925. In 1949,this institution was named 'The
Radio Ceylon'' as we all know. Later on it was changed in to the ''Sri
Lanka BroadcastingCorporation'' by the Radio act in 1967.
Up to now it goes by that name. It is important to know that in 1967,
through the Act the SLBC could carry out television services as well.
Most important is that SLBC must stand up on it's own and we are working
towards achieving that goal and to get SLBC back on track and to its
past glory. |